Quick release equipment mount

ABSTRACT

A quick release equipment mount includes a support module secured to a fixture such as a wall or pipe and a number of item modules, each of which can attach to an item of equipment such as a fire extinguisher for quick release. The item modules can have two pair of vertically spaced apart hooks which engage two pair of commensurately spaced apart posts extending laterally from an elongated vertical tongue extending from the support module. The hooks are formed on a pair of rails spaced to form a groove slidingly engaged by the tongue. Item modules can have different item interfacing segments for securing in various manners to various types of equipment items while all having similar support module interfacing segments capable of quick release mounting to the support module.

PRIOR APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of copending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 17/362,951, filed 2021 Jun. 29, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/555,184, filed 2019 Aug. 29, now U.S.patent Ser. No. 11/047,525, which is a divisional of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/459,419, filed 2017 Mar. 15, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Utility Patent Application Ser. No.62/309,345, filed 2016 Mar. 16, all of which are incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to equipment mounting structures and moreparticularly to quick release mounting of equipment items to fixturessuch as walls or pipes.

BACKGROUND

Many important and often critical equipment items are only occasionallyused such as rescue equipment and fire fighting equipment including fireextinguishers, axes, and hoses. Such items are often stored in an out ofthe way but readily available location in case of an emergency. This isespecially true aboard vehicles and vessels such as ships where rescuesand fire fighting require a rapid response where all too often lives maybe at stake. Because of the pitching and rolling of the ship-boardenvironment, items require secure mounting while still providing theability to rapidly de-mount the item for use.

Most prior art mounting systems use highly specialized mountingequipment specifically made for a particular equipment item. Forexample, a quick-release bracket system that may work well for one sizeor type of fire extinguisher may be wholly inadequate for another sizeor type. This can increase the cost of most specialized mountingequipment and ultimately can adversely impact the proper and safeequipping of a vehicle or vessel. High cost of specialized mountingsystems and their installation and maintenance can prevent the abundantuse of such items and thus jeopardize safety.

For example, fire extinguishers are often either kept in a dedicated,wall-mounted box or by a specialized steel belt using a snap-releaseclamp. Such specialized mounting hardware often requires installation bya skilled workman with specialized knowledge of the capabilities of thesupporting fixture. Some mounting systems involve frangible structuressuch as break away glass which can be difficult, costly andtime-consuming to reset for future use. In addition, rescue equipmentsuch as fire extinguishers must be regularly checked to confirm they arein a useful condition. Periodic equipment checks may require removal andreplacement of the equipment from its mounting location. This processcan be time-consuming, and may require expensive reinstallation.

Hospital magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) facilities are operated understrict guidelines to avoid damage and injuries due to the strongmagnetic fields generated by MRI machines. Consequently, specializedmagnetically compliant emergency equipment such as oxygen bottles andother life support equipment is often the only type usable in the MRIfacility setting. Thus, there is a need to provide mounting of suchcompliant equipment within easy reach of support personnel in a rapidlydeployable manner.

Therefore, there is a need for a quick release equipment mount whichaddresses some or all of the above identified inadequacies.

SUMMARY

The principal and secondary objects of the invention are to provide animproved quick release equipment mount. These and other objects areachieved by providing a universal-type fixture-attached support modulewhich is adapted to releasably engage one or more of a plural number ofitem-attached modules.

In some embodiments an equipment item can therefore be quickly andreleasably attached and detached from the fixture. In some embodiments aspecific equipment item-attach module is particularly adapted tosecuring equipment such as fire extinguishers using a commensuratelyshaped and dimensioned interface segment.

In some embodiments there is provided a device for rapidly mounting,de-mounting and remounting a item of equipment to a fixture, said devicecomprises: a support module, securable to said fixture; an item module,securable to said item of equipment; wherein said support modulecomprises: a base plate; a tongue extending substantially orthogonallyfrom said base plate, wherein said tongue is elongated along anelongation axis; a first prominence extending from said tongueperpendicular to said elongation axis; a second prominence extendingfrom said tongue perpendicular to said elongation axis; wherein saidfirst and second prominences are spaced apart along said elongationaxis; wherein said item module comprises: a first hook structure shaped,dimensioned and oriented to engage said first prominence along adirection substantially perpendicular to said elongation axis; and, asecond hook structure shaped, dimensioned and oriented to matinglyengaged said second prominence along a direction substantially parallelto said elongation axis.

In some embodiments said base plate comprises a substantially planarouter surface.

In some embodiments said first prominence extends from said tonguesubstantially parallel to said outer surface.

In some embodiments said second prominence extends from said tonguesubstantially parallel to said outer surface.

In some embodiments said first prominence comprises first and secondcoaxial posts extend from opposite sides of said tongue, wherein saidposts extend substantially orthogonally to said elongation axis.

In some embodiments said support module further comprises at least oneelongated strap opening extending laterally through said tongue.

In some embodiments said at least one strap opening is located at ajunction between the tongue and the base plate whereby a smoothcontinuous surface extends from an outer surface of said base platethrough said at least one opening.

In some embodiments said item module comprises a pair of railsparallelly spaced apart to form a groove therebetween, wherein saidgroove is dimensioned to be intimately and slidingly engaged by saidtongue.

In some embodiments said item module is a cradling-type item modulecomprising a cradle structure having a concave bearing surface orientedto bear against a convex surface of said item of equipment within arange of sizes.

In some embodiments said item module is a wrap-around-type item modulecomprising a substantially cylindrical barrel structure dimensioned tointimately surround and bear against a surface of said item ofequipment.

In some embodiments there is provided a quick release equipment mountcomprises: a support module securable to a fixture such as a wall orpipe; said support module comprises: a substantially vertical tongueextending substantially orthogonally from a base; two pair of spacedapart posts extending laterally from said tongue; a number of itemmodules, wherein each one of said number of item modules comprises: anequipment item interfacing segment attachable to an item of equipment; asupport module interfacing segment comprising: a pair of rails spaced toform a groove slidingly engaged by said tongue; two pair of verticallyspaced apart hooks shaped, dimensioned and located to releasably secureto said posts.

The original text of the original claims is incorporated herein byreference as describing features in some embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a quick release equipmentmount including a fixture-attached support module and two different itemmodules for attaching to equipment items.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic side view of a quick release equipment mountincluding a fixture-attached support module and a wrap-around-type itemmodule attached to an exemplary fire extinguisher, where the item moduleis in a disengaged position.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic side view of a quick release equipment mountincluding a support module and a wrap-around-type item module in anengaged position.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic top view of a quick release equipment mountincluding support module and a cradling-type item module in a disengagedposition.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4 , there is shown a support module 2 which canbe fixed to a stationary fixture structure 1 such as a wall, or pipe.The support module provides rugged structural features that can bereadily engaged and disengaged by an item module 3,4 attached to a itemof equipment, thereby allowing that item of equipment to be mounted toand de-mounted from the structure.

The support module 2 includes a generally oblong oval base 21 plateincluding dual oval attachment holes 22 a,22 b at opposite ends to beengaged by screws or other semi-permanent fasteners 11. A generallyvertically oblong quadrangular rigid tongue 23 extends orthogonallyfrontwardly from the front surface 24 of the base plate between theattachment holes. A first pair of cylindrical engagement posts 25 a,25 bextend laterally from near the top end of the tongue. A second, similarpair of cylindrical engagement posts 26 a,26 b extend laterally fromnear the bottom end of the tongue. Each pair of posts can function as aprominence extending laterally from the tongue perpendicular to theelongation axis of the tongue, and can be substantially parallel to thefront surface of the base. A lock hole 27 penetrates laterally throughthe tongue in a medial section. A pair of oblong spaced apart strapopenings 28 a,28 b extend laterally through the tongue where the tongueconnects at a junction to the base plate providing a smooth continuoussurface 29 from the front surface of the base plate through theopenings. In this way, a strap 5 can be conveniently and unimpededlythreaded through a strap opening.

Various types of item modules 3,4, each attached to an item ofequipment, such as a fire extinguisher, can be readily and quicklyengaged or disengaged from the support module 2.

Each item module 3,4 can secure to the item of equipment by an equipmentitem interfacing segment attached thereto. In the case of thewrap-around-type item module 4, the equipment item interfacing segment41 includes a cylindrical barrel structure 42 shaped and dimensioned tosecurely wrap around the cylindrical portion of an item of equipment 6.For example, a hand-carryable fire extinguisher having a cylindricaltank can be secured to the wrap-around-type item module having acommensurately dimensioned barrel structure. The cylindrical axis of thebarrel structure can be parallel with the elongation axis of the basewhile the item module is mounted to the support module in order toreduce the profile of the mounted equipment.

In the case of the cradling-type item module 3, the equipment iteminterfacing segment 31 includes cradle structure 32 having an outwardlyfacing concave surface which can bear against a range of shapes andsizes of convex surfaces on the item of equipment being mounting. Strapopenings 33 a,33 b are provided for straps to secure the equipment tothe cradle structure.

Each item module 3,4 includes a support module interfacing segmenthaving structures which securely and ruggedly engage the structuralfeatures on the support module 2. Specifically, the cradling-type itemmodule 3 can include a pair of oblong rails 61,62 extending backwardlyfrom the equipment interfacing segment. The rails are spaced apart afixed width W to form a groove 63 which is sized to be intimatelyengaged by the tongue of the support module having a thickness Tcommensurate with the width. This helps prevent yaw and roll movement ofthe item module with respect to support module in order to preventjamming during a potentially urgent disengagement process. It doeshowever allow vertical sliding movement and relative pitch movementbetween the modules.

The cradling-type item module 3 can be releasably attached to thesupport module 2 by two pair of specially shaped and oriented hooks64,65 formed into opposite ends of the rails 61,62. A top pair of hooks64 engage the upper posts 25 a,25 b of the support module. A bottom pairof hooks 65 engage the lower posts 26 a,26 b of the support module. Eachof the top pair of hooks is formed by an L-shaped prong forming abackward facing inlet 66 and an upper catch 68. Each of the bottom pairof hooks is formed by a crook 69 formed into the bottom surface of eachrespective rail. In this way, the item module is mounted to the supportmodule by first aligning the tongue with the groove, vertically aligningthe inlets of the top hooks with the upper posts, moving the item modulebackwardly so that the upper posts engage the inlet completely. Then theitem module is translated vertically downwardly causing the upper poststo matingly engage the upper catches in the top hooks, and causing thelower posts to matingly engage the crooks of the bottom hooks. Pairs oflongitudinal notches 58,59 set into the back surface of the rails allowan uncrimped passageway for straps such as the attachment strap 5threaded upon the support module.

The wrap-around-type item module 4 includes a support module interfacingsegment having structures similar to the cradling-type item module 3 forsecurely and ruggedly engaging the structural features on the supportmodule 2, such as a pair of oblong rails 81,82 extending backwardly fromthe equipment interfacing segment 41. The rails are spaced apart a fixedwidth W to form a groove 83 which is sized to be intimately andslidingly engaged by the tongue of the support module having a thicknessT commensurate with the width. The rails include two pair of speciallyshaped and oriented hooks 84,85 formed at their opposite ends operatingsimilarly to the pairs of hooks on the cradling-type item module.

A lock hole 87 penetrates laterally through a vertically medial sectionof the rails 81,82 so that the lock holes of an item module are inalignment with the lock hole 27 of the support module when the twomodules are in the engaged configuration. The aligned holes can bepenetrated by a locking pin 7 to lock the items together in the engagedconfiguration. To disengage the items, the locking pin is first removed.Removal of the locking pin can be facilitated by an end ring 71connected to the pin. Loss of the pin is prevented by a leash 72connecting the ring to the item module at a leash attachment hole 73. Aspring-loaded retractable friction ball 74 retains the locking pinwithin the holes until a sufficient extraction force is applied. Thecradling-type item module can use a similarly shaped, dimensioned andlocated lock hole 67 to further secure the engaged modules.

This relatively complex engagement provides for a consequently rapid andsimple, disengagement process. The user can simply grasp the item ofequipment, lift it slightly, and move it outwardly from the supportmodule. This motion ensures that the user is adequately supporting theitem of equipment before it becomes disengaged from the fixture, therebyenhancing safety.

Alternately, the item module can be releasably attached to the item ofequipment. For example, in the case of the cradling-type item module,quick release straps can be provided for securing the item of equipmentsuch as a fire extinguisher against the cradle portion. The straps canbe disengaged from the equipment, and the equipment removed from themount altogether so that the cradling-type item module remains attachedto the support module. Alternately, in the event of a more urgentemergency, the equipment can remain attached to the cradling-type modulewhile it is detached from the support module. This flexibility providesan advantage over other mounting systems.

Another advantage of the present mounting system is that both thecradling-type item module 3 and the wrap-around-type item module 4 canbe used with the same support module. This greatly facilitates the rapidand simple interchange of fresh or upgraded equipment more suited to theexpected uses depending on changing circumstances.

Another advantage of the present mounting system is that it can befabricated from non-ferrous materials such as magnetically neutralmetals such as aluminum and titanium, magnetically neutral fiber-resincomposites, and plastics, so that the system can be employed in amagnetically restricted setting such as a hospital MRI facility.

Although the above utilitarian aspects have been described in connectionwith a quick release mounting of hand-carryable emergency equipment, itshall be understood that the system is readily adaptable to the mountingof other types of equipment that require regular interchange such asother fire fighting equipment, construction or repair equipment, andlife sustaining equipment for example.

Another advantage enjoyed by the instant embodiments is that no changeof the base module is required during interchange of different types ofequipment items. Further, there are far fewer occasions when skilledpersonnel are required to install the mount upon a fixture, and asignificantly lower chance that an error has been made duringinstallation.

While the exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described,modifications can be made and other embodiments may be devised withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A quick release equipment mount for releasablymounting an item of equipment to a fixture, said mount comprises: asupport module, securable to a fixture such as a wall or pipe; an itemmodule, securable to said item of equipment; wherein a first one of saidsupport module and said item module comprises: a substantially verticaltongue extending substantially orthogonally and frontwardly from a base;two pair of spaced apart posts extending laterally from said tongue;wherein a second one of said support module and said item modulecomprises: a pair of rails spaced to form a groove slidingly engaged bysaid tongue; two pair of vertically spaced apart hooks shaped,dimensioned and located to releasably secure to said posts; and, whereinsaid item module comprises an interfacing segment attachable to an itemof equipment.
 2. The mount of claim 1, wherein said equipment iteminterfacing segment comprises a cradle structure having a concavebearing surface oriented to bear against a convex surface of an item ofequipment within a range of sizes.
 3. The mount of claim 1, wherein saidequipment item interfacing segment comprises a substantially cylindricalbarrel structure dimensioned to intimately surround and bear against asurface of said item of equipment.
 4. The mount of claim 1, whichfurther comprises: wherein said two pair of vertically spaced aparthooks comprise: a top pair having inlets facing backward toward saidbase; and, a bottom pair formed into bottom surfaces of said pair ofrails.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein said base comprises asubstantially planar outer surface.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein afirst one of said two pair of spaced apart posts extends from saidtongue substantially parallel to said outer surface.
 7. The device ofclaim 6, wherein a second one of said two pair of spaced apart postsextends from said tongue substantially parallel to said outer surface.8. The device of claim 1, wherein a first one of said two pair of spacedapart extends from opposite sides of said tongue substantiallyorthogonally to said elongation axis.
 9. The device of claim 1, whereinsaid device further comprises at least one elongated strap openingextending laterally through said tongue.
 10. The device of claim 9,wherein said at least one strap opening is located at a junction betweenthe tongue and said base whereby a smooth continuous surface extendsfrom an outer surface of said base through said at least one opening.11. The device of claim 1, which further comprises: a locking pinpenetrating through aligned holes in said pair of rails and said tongue.12. The device of claim 11, which further comprises: said locking pincomprising a spring-loaded retractable friction ball resistingextraction of said locking pin from said aligned holes; an end ringconnected to said locking pin; and, a leash connecting said end ring toone of said modules.